While the sub-Commander waited for King Bifalt to speak, Elgart asked, “Does Suti al-Suri have any idea why Rile’s cavalry raced ahead?” He coughed at the smoke. “Any idea at all?”

Bifalt surprised himself with an answer. “I can guess.”

Prince Jaspid nodded, but said nothing.

Hellick frowned. “Majesty?”

“Rile is arrogant,” declared Bifalt, rushing to keep up with his mind. “His tactics betray him. He did not imagine that we would leave the Open Hand practically undefended. The notion that we might destroy Belleger’s Fist ourselves never occurred to him. When it fell, he must have realized that we are not children to be killed with one stroke.

“He sent his cavalry to secure the Queen’s road. He intends to hold it so that his army can follow unopposed.”

Again, Jaspid nodded. “Commander Forguile is there,” he assured Hellick. “He has a company of riflemen. And both Commander Soulcess and Chancellor Sikthorn have been forewarned. Rile will be met in ways that surprise him.”

Perhaps Bifalt should have taken that opportunity to explain Estie’s intentions, but his thoughts had wandered. He needed to reconsider his own intentions. Rile’s cavalry was already on the road. Bifalt could not cross it to challenge the horde of fanged strangers in the north. He would have to oppose the enemy in some other way.

And he now had the el-Algreb to consider. Their unforeseen support made his forces stronger, but he was not prepared to risk them against Rile’s cavalry. According to Hegels, those men rode beasts too ferocious to confront on horseback.

Carefully, Elgart asked, “What will we do, Majesty? The men are waiting. And the Magisters. They know we must go. We are useless where we are.”

Yes, thought the King without responding. Over the years, he and Klamath had debated the advantages and perils of dividing their forces. They had rejected the idea. It would weaken the army. But now Suti al-Suri had answered that argument for him.

He dropped his hand from Elgart’s shoulder, straightened his back, raised his head. “Of course,” he said like the man he had once been. “We have rested enough.

“Sub-Commander, find your way to the el-Algreb. Inform Suti al-Suri that we will ride south.” Toward Rile’s light infantry and supply-train. “Jaspid, ready the riflemen. They must take only what they can carry. We will leave the tents and everything else for our wounded. I will ask the workmen to care for them. They will be as safe here as anywhere.”

Some of the bitterness lifted from Prince Jaspid’s face. King Bifalt was glad to see it, but he did not pause.

“Gather the Magisters, Elgart. Ready them to ride. Tell them that we go to inflict another surprise on the Great God.”